Karen Bennett is a senior consumer banking reporter at Bankrate. Her expertise lies in finding the best savings accounts, checking accounts and CDs, as well as all things personal finance. She’s been a reporter at Bankrate since 2021, and she holds a master’s degree in Journalism and a bachelor’s degree in English.
Karen’s writing experience spans topics including bank accounts, saving money, budgeting, and credit cards, as well as lifestyle and health. She also spent time as a writer of product reviews and a reporter for local newspapers in Chicago, Milwaukee and Washington, D.C. In addition, she worked for over a decade as a writer and product manager for CoolSavings, a website devoted to saving money on groceries, travel and other products.
Karen stays on top of the latest in banking and personal finance. Topics she writes about for Bankrate include how to choose the best high-yield savings account, the latest statistics on checking account fees and ways to protect yourself from bank fraud.
On the personal finance front, Karen has covered topics such as progress for women in banking and the pitfalls of spaving deals (spaving is the act of spending more money to qualify for money-saving promotions).
When she’s not working, Karen enjoys working on her novel, as well as reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with her family.
The pillars of smart money management include having an emergency fund in a high-yield savings account, paying down debt, following a budget and living within your means.
— Karen Bennett
Discover a wide range of competitive money market rates and other savings options from Bankrate. Compare and open one today to maximize your savings potential.
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 10, 2025.
Knowing a savings bond’s value can help you decide whether to hold it or redeem it.
Explore and compare the best 1-month CD rates available for your short-term investment needs. Find competitive rates identified by Bankrate’s experts and secure your financial growth with ease.
Bankrate reviewed thousands of data points to determine the nation’s best banks. We gave the most weight to savings interest rates and low-cost or free checking accounts. Here are our picks for the best online banks.
Read our experts' review on Everbank's features and product offerings. Bankrate reviews and compares hundreds of banks to help find the right fit for you.
Withdrawing cash at an out-of-network ATM? Be prepared to pay more than ever.
Compare the best high-yield savings rates as of September 9, 2025.
